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Two specialists on Russian society and politics analyze the composition of Russian officialdom since 1991, focusing in particular on changes in recruitment practice that have taken place under President Vladimir Putin. On the basis of elite interviews and contemporary scholarly and media analysis of the Putin regime, the authors examine trends in the number of government personnel who have a military or security background. Also investigated are trends in the presidential administration's hold over federal agencies and representation of former military-security personnel at regional levels within the Russian Federation.

The institution of democratic election procedures was Russian Pres. Boris Yeltsin's major accomplishment in 1995. Ironically, antidemocratic forces dominated the elections held during the year. In addition, the concentration of financial resources in the hands of a few as a result of an economic slowdown was a major characteristic of the Russian economy in 1995. The oligarchy that arose out of this development came in the form of holding companies or financial-industrial groups.

The number of criminal gangs in Russia has greatly increased because of political and economic changes which weakened the state's role and hampered its functioning. The decentralization and reorganization of political structures weakened social protections and resulted in increased criminal activity. Organized crime was also a result of the failure of Russia's law-enforcement system. Gangs have taken to legitimate businesses and are also involved in bribery, extortion, killings and kidnappings. They also seek political patronage.

A functional multi-party political system has yet to develop in Russia, according to a survey done in Dec 1992, in 12 urban areas. In a country former Pres Gorbachev claimed was the most political in the modern world, no political party has motivated much participation. Supporters for parties based on the old Communist party tend to be older, poorer, less educated, and of the working classes in contrast to Yeltsin supporters and more liberal parties' members. The majority of Russians, however, are not committed to any of the over 200 registered parties.

Russia's political oligarchy is being replaced by an economic elite since Valdimir Putin came into office. Putin sought to separate businessmen from politics.

Russia's new millionaires include business executives and politicians of whom 40% were involved in illegal business in the past and 25% still have criminal connections. The most profitable operations are export and import trade, with 75% of the millionaires admitting that they grew rich that way. Banking and publishing activities and consumer goods production are also considered sources of wealth. Forging of financial documents is the most popular illegal method of making money.

A new social group called 'New Russias' has emerged in Russia. The group comprises people who became rich in the late 1980s and early 1990s. There are two subgroups consisting of educated businessmen and the less educated entrepreneurs who differ not only in past experience and educational status, but also in their lifestyles. The first group of businessmen are characterized by their distinct family situation, housing conditions, automobiles and their hobbies. Most of them are conservative and prefer family lifestyles and have one or two children.

80% of Russians as on August 1995, are still undecided whether to exercise their franchise in the coming elections. About 50% considers participation in elections as a waste of time and 48% are undecided on their choice of parties to vote for. 41% of voter feel that there is no party which represents their interests. Those who will succeed in wooing the passive and undecided voters are likely to emerge victorious. 40.6% of passive voters supported Russia's Choice. The public attitude on the whole, reveal losses of constituents by Liberal Democratic Party and Democratic Party.

Examines the principles and mechanisms of forming regional authorities in Russia. Implications of Russia's elective system for forming its regional elites; Data on the recruitment of regional leaders to the elite from 1989 to 2001 in Russia; Result of an analysis of the political background of the cohorts of Russia's regional elite; Sources of formation of the gubernatorial corps in 1981-2001.